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It's getting hot in here

Before we start I have a confession. It's not really very hot at all in Australia at the moment. In fact, winter has finally hit. Of course I knew that would be the case when I signed up to the tour, so I've been a little lateral with my interpretation.

And so ... how to stay warm, when it's getting cold - it's all about layers. When I was a child, my mum always wanted me to wear a singlet, and I hated it. Now, I have spent some time putting together a collection of camisoles, tank tops and the like to keep me warm in winter (although I do live in a rather temperate climate, and we rarely see temperatures below 10&degC). And of course, keep telling my kids to put a singlet on!

So I present to you the Lago Tank*, by Itch to Stitch. The Lago Tank is available for free - a good way to get a feel for Itch to Stitch Patterns.

Check out the other Stops on the Tour at the bottom of this post, or read on to find more about the tank I sewed up.

This version is my wearable muslin. Ultimately, my goal is a mostly-fitted tank, that I can wear underneath one of my standard winter tops. Looking at the pattern pictures, the fit was a little looser than I'm after, so I sewed up a straight size 6 (based on my bust size) as a starting point.

I also kept it simple in fabric selection, using a solid cotton lycra. This was a cheap on.e metre cut from The Remnant Warehouse (fished out of the remnant bin, but I couldn't find anything wrong with it). The fabric is a good weight, not too curly at the edge, with a good amount of stretch.

For future versions, I'd stick with this same sizing if using a drapier knit (eg rayon jersey or a polyester interlock). But for another in cotton lycra, I'd go down a size in the waist (my waist measurement is actually more like the 4 than the 6), but keep the bust and hip sizing.

And the pattern? It's just what I've come to expect from an Itch to Stitch pattern (check out the Bonn Shirt and Lisbon Cardigan for other Itch to Stitch sews). Clear to follow instructions and line drawings. All the information is ready to hand and easy to follow. No skimping on construction techniques that will provide a beautiful finished garment. And bonus tips and techniques for getting things just right.

This version is great to wear in warmer weather as-is. But also looks good under a light jacket, under a jumper (sweater) or an extra layer and pop of colour under a black v-neck dress.

As an extra bonus for making it this far, and in keeping with the spirit of the tour, here a photo of me taking off that extra layer.

If you're interested in trying out this free pattern, you can grab a copy from the Itch to Stitch Pattern Shop, and check out all the other Itch to Stitch patterns here.

Don't forget to check out all the other stops on this blog tour, and find out what others have been up to, as the Northern Hemisphere warms up.

Which pattern should I sew

I'm a keen knitter who also likes to cook, read (especially the Bible), watch TV or on increasingly rare occasions go for a bike ride.
I have a wonderful and generally understanding husband, who is usually willing to relocate a ball of yarn to sit next to me on the lounge.